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Observing with simple equipment

Observe closely using simple equipment such as hand lenses, and use observations to describe, compare, and identify things

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What a learner can do afterwards

  • Use a hand lens or other simple equipment to make detailed observations
  • Describe observations using specific vocabulary (colour, shape, size, texture, pattern)
  • Compare two objects based on careful observation, noting similarities and differences

The lesson

Some things are hard to see with just your eyes. A hand lens makes small things look bigger. Hold it close to what you want to see.

A hand lens makes a small seed look bigger. Now you can see its round, smooth edge.
Try it together

Mia looks at two leaves with her hand lens. One leaf is smooth and light green. The other leaf is bumpy and dark green. Mia says the leaves have different colors and textures.

Good to know

Use words like color, shape, size, texture, and pattern. These words help you describe exactly what you see.

Look closely, describe what you see, and compare carefully.

Watch it

Where it sits

Where this leads

Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.

Then practise

8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.

Observing with simple equipment · Science, ages 5 to 7 · LightMySky